“Reproductive justice for all of us”
I’m Raul Krauthausen the founder of SOZIALHELD*INNEN, an NPO and consultancy from Germany, focussing on Disability Mainstreaming. With this newsletter, I share hand-picked links from around the world.
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Thank you,
Raul
We wrote a children’s book (in german)
Hand-picked news about inclusion, accessibilty and innovation
“Reproductive justice for all of us” (ourfreefuture.org)
That sentence, written by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes in 1927, was the defining sentiment behind the seminal Supreme Court decision Buck v. Bell—a case which allowed states to continue the practice of forcibly sterilizing those it deemed unfit to reproduce, namely people of color, the physically disabled, and those considered to have mental “deficiencies.” In the specific situation behind Buck v. Bell, the plaintiff was Carrie Buck, a young white woman in Virginia who was forcibly sterilized for her “feeble-mindedness” under that state’s Eugenical Sterilization Act.
Inclusive Policymaking with Celia Chartres-Aris (martynsibley.com)
My Purple Power/Martyn Sibley show podcast is back with another episode. This time I had a phenomenal chat with the brilliant Celia Chartres-Aris (née Hensman) about Inclusive Policymaking.
Breaking Barriers: Kaylee Bays’ Triumph for Disability Representation on So You Think You Can Dance (cripplemedia.com)
In the realm of performing arts, individuals with disabilities often encounter barriers to showcasing their talents. Kaylee Bays, a dancer hailing from Los Angeles who performs on wheels, etched her name in history as the first wheelchair user on So You Think You Can Dance. Her poignant and deeply passionate jazz solo, set to Pink’s “Never Not Gonna Not Dance Again,” embodied Bays’ journey as a disabled dancer. The song serves as a potential anthem for disabled dancers, Highlighting that disabled dancers can still enjoy their passion, even after diagnosis or as their disability progresses, by adapting moves to what is accessible to them. At three, Bays embarked on her dance journey and pursued a professional career until her diagnosis intervened.
UCLA Bioengineers Develop Wearable Device for Voice Disorder Treatment Using Machine Learning (assistivetechnologyblog.com)
Discover UCLA bioengineers' breakthrough device that helps restore speech for those with voice disorders, using a non-invasive, machine learning-powered technology.
Publication Awards (dishist.org)
The Disability History Association (DHA) promotes the relevance of disability history and facilitates research, publication, conference travel, and public history initiatives related to disability history.
Supporting California’s English Learner Students Who Have the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities (educatingalllearners.org)
California recently took a promising step forward in promoting equity and opportunity for the roughly 20,000 students in the state who are English learners and have significant cognitive disabilities (ELSCD students). After a six-month coaching project in which REL West supported the California Department of Education (CDE) to conduct supplemental analyses of state assessment data, the State Board of Education (SBE) agreed in May 2023 to officially adopt thresholds on the state’s new Alternate English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (Alternate ELPAC). This move will help to standardize the state’s assessment and accountability system and ensure that all ELSCD students in the state are held to comparable performance standards.
Day School Students Learn Importance of Inclusion and Accessibility (educatingalllearners.org)
Much of Bryce Weiler’s life has been centered around overcoming daily tasks many take for granted. Although he cannot see, Weiler is leading the path to inclusion for all.
LAUSD’s New Student Advisor is an AI Bot that Designs Academic Plans, Suggests Books (educatingalllearners.org)
The Los Angeles school district on Wednesday unveiled a much-awaited AI tool, dubbed “Ed,” to serve as a student advisor, programmed to tell its young users and their parents about grades, tests results and attendance — while giving out assignments, suggesting readings and even helping students cope with nonacademic matters.
Things Are Finally Getting Better (thewheelchairteen.com)
I talk about how things are finally going much better since my last update post and share about all of the different projects I’m currently working on.
Kinetic Light And Double Eye Studios Announce Virtual Reality Collaboration (broadwayworld.com)
Explore the upcoming immersive virtual reality project, Territory, a collaboration between Kinetic Light and Double Eye Studios.
Two icons meet on screen - John Jarratt & Gerard O'Dwyer (facebook.com)
WHAT ABOUT SAL is a new feature film by Aussie legend John Jarratt about a young man with Down syndrome trying to find his real father. Starring our very own Gerard O'Dwyer, this film is a moving, tearjerking work of art, and best of all, you can attend a free exclusive screening Monday at Moore Park in Sydney.
Buy And They Lived...Ever After (amazon.in)
In a world where fairy tales usually demonize characters who live with disability, these and other fairy-tale characters challenge our understanding of the people around us. The authors of this collection seek to retell classic stories by weaving in their own everyday experiences-the struggles, joys and frustrations that may not be known to the non-disabled.
'We create our own reality': Paralympian Elle Steele on changing the narrative for women with disability (womensagenda.com.au)
Paralympian Elle Steele is using the Change Our Game platform to create equitable change for all people with disabilities in sport.
4 Wheels Episode 3: Advocacy (disartnow.org)
In this episode, host Dom talks about the challenges of improving accessibility in his living situation and the journey to install a ramp. He discusses the importance of understanding and support for disabled individuals and invites listeners to share their experiences to foster a supportive community.
Why we cannot let the disability support changes happen (rnz.co.nz)
Opinion - I was hopeful about the future. This is not what that future looks like. This is a massive step backwards into the past, Henrietta Bollinger writes.
Global Disability Progress (disabilityrightsflorida.org)
In today's episode, we are joined by two international disability advocates, Rosangela Berman Bieler and Patricia Almeida. During our conversation, we discuss the importance and impact of global disability policy and rights work, including their work with the UN and UNICEF. They also discuss how other countries compare to the US regarding disability progress and inclusion, global accessibility initiatives, and the need for continued fighting for disability rights.
Review: SpeakEasy Stage Company presents a deeply moving COST OF LIVING (broadwayworld.com)
What did our critic think of COST OF LIVING at Roberts Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion At Boston Center For The Arts?
“Unseen”: Documentary Aims to Amplify Undocumented & Disabled Voices (democracynow.org)
As presidential front-runners Donald Trump and Joe Biden scapegoat and attack immigrants on the campaign trail, stoking racist and xenophobic fears for votes, we speak to the director of a groundbreaking new film, unseen, that aims to reframe the narrative. Using experimental cinematography to promote accessibility for blind and low-vision audiences, unseen follows Pedro, who is blind and undocumented, as he works toward a degree in social work. Director Set Hernandez, themself an undocumented immigrant and a co-founder of the Undocumented Filmmakers Collective, discusses the film’s uplifting of the “undocumented and disabled perspective,” in opposition to political narratives that exclude and dehumanize immigrant communities.
Andrew Solomon (andrewsolomon.com)
Andrew Solomon is a writer and lecturer on psychology, politics, and the arts; winner of the National Book Award; and an activist in LGBT rights, mental health, and the arts.
Early intervention may fight chronic pain without opioids (futurity.org)
Knowing who will benefit from early intervention for chronic pain after an injury or surgery may be as simple as a short 2-question survey.
Ouch! Why your words might be hurting you (painuk.org)
Did you know negative words associated with physical pain have the power to create tension in the body intensifying our pain perception?
New York’s Subway Is Still Not Safe, but Not for the Reason You Think (nytimes.com)
Preventing crime is important, but inaccessible stations are dangerous to millions of riders.
Staff, Students Team to Highlight Health Care Gaps Facing the Deaf Community (magazine.holycross.edu)
Members of the Holy Cross community work with community partners to bring awareness to improve health care quality for the Deaf through video project.
Chicago schools must stay on pace to help special education students (chicago.suntimes.com)
CPS says it's addressing accessibility upgrades and other needs, and the task at hand must be completed as soon as possible.
Shruti Pushkarna: Changing mindsets, rebuilding lives: Celebrating 25 years of First World Cup Cricket for the Blind (mxmindia.com)
Last weekend, I had the golden opportunity to witness the silver jubilee celebration of India’s first World Cup Cricket for the Blind. A room full of cricket lovers (players, organisers and supporters) took a trip down memory lane, recounting their love for the sport, the struggle for opportunities to play, some naughty moments, some tough ones. But all in all, a journey that shaped and altered their lives in distinct ways.
These Indian startups are building products for those with disabilities (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
A bunch of entrepreneurs have built apps and devices for those with disabilities.
Celebrating Easter With The 30-Year Anniversary Of "The Disabled God" (respectability.org)
"The Disabled God" is a pivotal work in Christian Disability Theology that envisions the resurrected Jesus as divinely disabled.
University Gives Full-Tuition Scholarships To Future Special Education Teachers (disabilityscoop.com)
To battle shortages and support future teachers, one university is using a $1.25 million federal grant to fund tuition and fees for aspiring special educators.
Wheels for Wellbeing guide to The Equality Act (2010) and Access Barriers (wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk)
Wheels for Wellbeing is an award-winning charity supporting disabled people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of cycling.
I Need Accessibility, Not A Cure (medium.com)
It’s not being disabled that sucks, it’s living in a world that isn’t built for us.
Disability Groups File Motion to Prevent New York City From Shirking Its Obligation to Provide Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis (dralegal.org)
A coalition of disability groups filed a motion in federal court to compel the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) to comply with the provisions of a settlement that was agreed upon in 2014 requiring they make at least 50% of their iconic yellow taxi fleet accessible to people who use wheelchairs. Despite an extension of time to fulfill its obligation, the TLC has not only failed to reach the 50% accessibility threshold, but are seeking to escape their obligation altogether. Read the motion to enforce the settlement agreement.
From Zero to Heathrow - PRM Charges in the UK (accessiblelink.substack.com)
I always wanted to know what each airport in the UK charges to fund its assisted travel provision for disabled people. It's called the "PRM charge". PRM stands for "Persons with reduced mobility" and is EU legalese, now UK law legalese for everyone who needs assistance at an airport.
Joint statement: “Building an inclusive European Union of Equality” (edf-feph.org)
We, the undersigned equality and anti-discrimination organisations, call on the European Union’s leaders and European Institutions to ensure equality, anti-racism, and fundamental rights are a priority during the next legislative mandate. We noted the advances in Equality which have been made by the European Union during this mandate.
AAPD Announces the 2024 Recipients of the AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards (aapd.com)
WASHINGTON, DC – The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is thrilled to announce the recipients of its 2024 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards, an award given to emerging leaders with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader cross-disability community.
Irish government 'walloped' by referendum defeats (reuters.com)
Irish voters have rejected proposals to replace constitutional references to the makeup of a family and a mother's "duties in the home" in a significant defeat for the government.
Disability rights activists hold rally in Dublin following Care referendum result (gcn.ie)
Participants in the Dublin rally advocated for disabled voices to be included in any and all disability rights policies going forward.
Open Call for Europe Beyond Access Co-Productions (disabilityartsinternational.org)
Are you a Deaf and/or disabled artist based in Europe with a passion for dance, choreography, or movement? Do you have experience of leading an artistic process?
The Met Gala isn't wheelchair accessible; a new activist campaign pressures Anna Wintour, Zendaya to reimagine the event (goodgoodgood.co)
Two disability justice activists are calling on Anna Wintour and other famous hosts to make the Met Gala wheelchair accessible.
Government’s response to UN committee ‘was insult to disabled people’ (disabilitynewsservice.com)
Disabled people’s organisations from across the UK have described the government’s evidence to a UN disability rights committee this week as “an insult to disabled people” and full of “half-truths, untruths” and “empty assertions”.
What are Words For? (prod3.agileticketing.net)
What Are Words For? considers ways in which an array of artists, most of whom identify in some way as disabled and/or D/deaf, redefine the tropes of accessible media accommodations. By activating unexpected usages of open captions and/or audio description, these works transcend notions of disability access as an afterthought by building worlds beyond the scope of translation. Narrative, performance, communication, misinterpretation, and play are unexpectedly nuanced and call upon the potential of language and text to bridge intersubjective experiences. In the work of Christine Sun Kim and Liza Sylvestre, captions are transgressed through poetic reinterpretations of their conventional purpose. In Charles de Agustin’s film, layered audio description and open captions create rich modes of storytelling, while in her film Alison O’Daniel adds another layer to the two by including American Sign Language (ASL) to complicate narrative devices. Louise Hickman and Shannon Finnegan’s collaborative endeavor makes transparent the work and human relationships behind live captioning over the ubiquitous technologies of Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), Zoom, and screen-sharing. Finally, Malic Amalya and Darrin Martin use very different methods to restage or reimagine past film works, whether they be iconic underground gems or educational films, through both staged and improvised modalities.
Robert Softley Gale on his theatre group’s longevity: ‘For any company to be going for 30 years is quite remarkable’ (list.co.uk)
Across four decades, Birds Of Paradise have been leading the charge for disabled people in Scottish theatre. Artistic director and CEO Robert Softley Gale talks to us about his pride in reaching this landmark anniversary and the company’s ambition to go global
An Ally’s Call To Action: The LGBTQ+ Elders with (Dis)abilities Demands Collective Liberation (lavendermagazine.com)
In a world that often dismisses and marginalizes those who defy the narrow confines of “white, cis, straight, male, able-bodied” norms, the LGBTQ+ community living with disabilities faces an arduous uphill journey toward recognition, meaningful support, and equitable access to quality care. The statistics are sobering: a staggering 36% of LGBTQ+ adults self-reported having a disability, a significantly higher percentage compared to 24% of their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. Yet, this richly diverse community – a kaleidoscope of identities, experiences, and resilience – frequently finds itself lacking reliable support systems to navigate the compounding challenges they encounter.
Darrin Martin / Binaural mirage (institutionalmodel.wixsite.com)
The autonomous or simultaneous unreliability of both senses and machines, sometimes strange and frustrating, occasionally dazzling or disturbing, is a theme that Darrin Martin has been exploring for decades in his multimedia installations. Art historian Pasi Väliaho describes the development of the philosophy of Gottfried Leibniz in the 17th century as indebted to then-novel projection technologies of anamorphic perspective, the camera obscura, and the magic lantern, contrasting the situated, constrained, and fallible perspective of the individual “monad” with the omniscience of God. “Even when we are awake we are visited by images, which come to us unbidden, as in dreams,” Väliaho quotes him as saying. Leibniz here invokes the magic lantern, “with which one can make figures appear on the wall by turning something on the inside.”
Soils and Spirit (soilspiritforest.com)
Hello! Welcome to the Soils and Spirit project website. This is a growing artistic work premiering in Lenapehoking/NYC in 2026 and traveling to chosen forest locations in the northeast through 2030.
Object Movement Puppetry Festival (eventbrite.com)
Object Movement is CWP's annual two week festival of eight puppetry and object theater artists presenting a unique lineup of original work
Subtitles, Closed Captions, and Open Captions: What's the Difference? (benmyers.dev)
A lay of the land of the different kinds of synchronized transcription, featuring a creature with atom rays of superhuman strength.
Cost of Living Brings Two Denver Theaters Together for a Pioneering Disability Story (westword.com)
Curious Theatre Company and Phamaly Theatre Company team up for the regional premiere of Martyna Majok's Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
Curious Theatre Company in financial fight for its life (denvergazette.com)
Marquee local company must raise $250,000 by July to address critical needs
Disability Justice – No More Silence (itstartswithus-mmiw.com)
No More Silence partnered with the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) on an exciting Disability Justice project. Led by Elder, Wanda Whitebird we held zoom meetings with Indigenous community members who experience challenges and barriers when attempting to access cultural and ceremonial spaces in order to develop guidelines to increase the accessibility of these spaces. Participants with lived experience of access needs and/or who have experienced barriers related to physical, mobility, sensory (sight and hearing), intellectual, developmental, mental health, or trauma joined us and provided their insight and recommendations on addressing the ableism they face. Below you will find the transcripts of the three zoom meetings we held in March 2021.
Disability Arts VR Experience (Behind the Scenes) with Audio Description (youtube.com)
Go behind-the-scenes with disability arts company Kinetic Light and award-winning XR studio Double Eye Studios as they create a new virtual reality experience. This BTS video includes audio description and open captions for speech, music, and sound.
The Politics of Breathing: a virtual panel discussion (contemporarycalgary.com)
How is disability art positioned in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic? How is the act of breathing crucial to our understanding of disability, and how does it reveal social structures of oppression?
Visiting Voices Series 2024 (e-flux.com)
The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is pleased to announce its spring 2024 Visiting Voices Series event, Art & Disability, hosted by the Hurwitz Center. Five disability justice artist-educators working in K-16 institutions, communities, and museums explore issues, support strategies, and resources for art educators and learners in an interactive conversation facilitated by Dr. Pamela Harris Lawton, Florence Gaskins Harper Endowed Chair in Art Education and thought leader for the Hurwitz Center at MICA.
Disability Intimacy: Essays on Love, Care, and Desire by Alice Wong (sfsu.zoom.us)
Hear from panelists featured in the anthology as they explore disability & intimacy themes tied to romance, community, caregiving and friendships. Moderated by Alice Wong.
JRG Society for the Arts (jrgsocietyforthearts.com)
The JRG Society is in honour of Justin Robin Grant. Justin was one of the most accomplished camera operators in Halifax, Nova Scotia. For 20 years he worked on the popular CBC Television Comedy series 'This Hour has 22 Minutes.' In March 2013, he was diagnosed with ALS. He passed away July 12, 2015.
Don’t. Make. Tea. review – the disability benefits interview as Kafkaesque comic nightmare (theguardian.com)
A former police officer with muscular dystrophy fights a grotesquely bureaucratic system in this subversive satirical broadside
The fight to cure South Sudan’s mysterious neurological disorder (theguardian.com)
Nodding syndrome is a distressing disease that stunts growth, harms brains and sparks convulsions. Though its cause is still unknown, there is now hope that epilepsy drugs can help afflicted children.
Claire Chang (axschat.com)
Claire is a technology innovation strategy consultant and contributor to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. She has many years of experience in the textile, apparel and color design industries, especially in the fields of fashion technology and IoT, assisting related companies in developing innovative solutions. At the same time, it is well-known for its active role and advocacy in building a diverse and inclusive co-creation community.
Frances West (axschat.com)
Frances learned the importance of diverse, international experiences early, first as a child raised in Taiwan, then as a high school student in Hong Kong, and then as an immigrant to the United States, where she obtained a degree in marketing from The University of Kentucky before taking on a systems engineer job at IBM. To this day, Frances credits the IBM recruiting manager who looked beyond the language barrier and her lack of IT experience with planting the seeds of what would become a lifelong passion: helping leaders and organizations with authentic inclusion practices that can drive disruptive innovation.
Downstream to Kinshasa review – war survivors set sail on mission for reparations (theguardian.com)
Dieudo Hamadi’s documentary is a clear-eyed look at the brutal aftermath of the DRC’s ‘six-day war’ as disabled victims journey to the capital to present their demands to the government.
Gazing at wooden legs and caged tigers – ‘Le Petit Journal’ (criphumanimal.org)
As I was cleaning out a closet recently, I came across a collection of French newspapers from the end of the 19th century, bundled together in book format. The collection contains the illustrated supplements of ‘Le Petit Journal’ of 1895, and probably came in my possession through my father or grandparents.
California Baptist University's Coding Camp Empowers Deaf Students through Video Game Development (assistivetechnologyblog.com)
Discover how California Baptist University's innovative camp is empowering deaf students through coding and video game creation.
HBO's Max To Launch Kids' Show Focused On Disabilities (disabilityscoop.com)
A first-of-its-kind animated children's show featuring a cast of characters who all have some type of disability is coming to television.
Netflix’s Disability Dating Shows Need to Be Rethought (indiewire.com)
"Love on the Spectrum" and "Down for Love" have good intentions. But this isn't the best way forward.
IAAP EU Event 2024 (accessibilityassociation.org)
My sister was sent to a nursing home against her will. We fought and won, but thousands of others aren't so lucky (thestar.com)
Three years after my sister was wrongly assessed, a news exposé revealed that 2,900 young people with developmental disabilities were in nursing homes in Ontario, Franke James writes.
Improving your Digital Accessibility Resources (eventbrite.co.uk)
Explore how you can develop resources online for your visitors with additional access needs
How can AI help disabled people? (abilitynet-org-uk.zoom.us)
In the webinar, tech expert and Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet, Robin and guests will guide us through an inspiring exploration of how AI is empowering and transforming the lives of disabled people, highlighting current examples of AI in action.
Digital Accessibility Experts Live (eventbrite.co.uk)
Monthly webinars to help leaders with digital accessibility challenges to find solutions as they accelerate digital projects.
Better Mobility Accelerator Info Session #3 (eventbrite.at)
Join us for an informative webinar to learn more about the European EIT Better Mobility Accelerator and how your startup can benefit!
Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award (aapd.com)
The AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards recognizes outstanding emerging leaders with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader cross-disability community.
The BBC and Netflix unveiled a disability partnership at Edinburgh TV Festival in 2021, and now sources are questioning where the shows are.
Medication Administration (openfuturelearning.org)
SURE our new module explains how to safely verify, store, document, track, observe and monitor medication. But great medication administration is much more than helping someone to physically take their medication – as this video demonstrates!
Racism + Ableism: How can you fight it? (withkeri.com)
In this eye-opening exploration, we define racism and ableism, shedding light on how these intersecting forms of discrimination impact individuals and communities.
Eye Care Support Pathway Appoints Bhavini Makwana to Chair Public Awareness Drive (pocklington.org.uk)
The Eye Care Support Pathway Group, hosted by RNIB, has announced the next stage of its roll out will be chaired by Bhavini Makwana, Campaigns and Projects Manager at Thomas Pocklington Trust.
How 3Play Is Transforming Closed Caption Positioning at Scale (3playmedia.com)
Learn the story behind 3Play's Automated Vertical Caption Positioning and how it powers closed caption placement and compliance at scale.
Starbucks intolerant of lactose intolerance, $5m lawsuit alleges (theguardian.com)
Three Californians who can’t drink dairy say they pay extra fees for alternatives at coffee chain and claim violation of civil rights law
3 Things I've Learned from Raising a Child with Down syndrome (meriahnichols.com)
When my child (now a teen) with Down syndrome was born, I knew very little about Down syndrome. Like many others, I was aware of the stereotypes surrounding people with Down syndrome. Stereotypes like “they are always happy!”, stereotypes about “those angels!” and of course, stereotypes surrounding being either physically or cognitively slow.
NOWNESS Shorts: Better (nowness.com)
Exploring disabled identity through two sisters – one living freely having accepted her chronic illness, and the other unable to process her sister's reality.
I want to raise disability awareness but it doesn't mean I'll work for you for free (msn.com)
The irony is that these requests often come from companies that claim to champion diversity and inclusion.
If the Tories really cared about mental health, they’d stop trying to score cheap points (theguardian.com)
Mel Stride’s crass comments about chasing ill people into work can’t conceal his motive – to save money on benefits, says columnist Micha Frazer-Carroll
Nico Meyering is Blazing a Trail of His Own (mydiversability.com)
Nico Meyering is a disability advocate making moves in the City of Philadephia.
‘The story of being a burden has been told too many times’: how dementia-friendly theatre is changing the narrative (theguardian.com)
From specifically adapted performances to telling new stories about memory, drama groups are innovating with music, movement and wordless performance to bring the joy of theatre to everyone
Elon Musk’s Neuralink shows brain-chip patient playing online chess (theguardian.com)
Noland Arbaugh, paralyzed after diving accident, received implant in January but experts caution that procedure is in early days
Elevate Your Inclusive School Leadership Skills at the MCIE Summer Institute This August (mcie.org)
Join us in Annapolis, Mayland on August 6 & 7 for the second annual MCIE Summer Institute. The 2-day institute is designed to provide valuable insights on inclusive school leadership, team collaboration, and specially designed instruction for educators, families, and partners on the journey towards inclusive schooling.
RespectAbility presents: Disney’s Wish – The Making of Dahlia (respectability.org)
Join us in conversation with the talent behind the making of Dahlia, a disabled character from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film, Wish.
RespectAbility Receives Gift From the Yield Giving Open Call (respectability.org)
Yield Giving announced RespectAbility as one of the Yield Giving Open Call’s awardees working with people and in places experiencing the greatest need in the United States.
'Like using the Force': Neuralink patient demonstrates how he plays chess using brain-chip – video (theguardian.com)
Neuralink patient Noland Arbaugh demonstrates how he is able to control his laptop cursor with his mind to play chess
The Barefoot Autism Challenge: Exploring Neurodiversity Through Running Barefoot (mcie.org)
Ken Posner delves into the fascinating world of barefoot living and its unique connection to the autistic community. Ken shares the origins and experiences of the Barefoot Autism Challenge, a movement initiated by Tyler Leach that endeavors to provide sensory stimulation and support for individuals with autism.
The Barefoot Autism Challenge: Exploring Neurodiversity Through Running Barefoot (mcie.org)
Ken Posner delves into the fascinating world of barefoot living and its unique connection to the autistic community. Ken shares the origins and experiences of the Barefoot Autism Challenge, a movement initiated by Tyler Leach that endeavors to provide sensory stimulation and support for individuals with autism.
More Questions Than Answers in DOT NPRM on Accessible Air Travel (wheelchairtravel.org)
The DOT NPRM won't fix every barrier disabled people face in air travel, but it can be a launching point for improved accessibility.
Lincoln Women’s March and the Lack of Accessibility (medium.com)
On Saturday, March 16, 2024, the Women’s March was held in Lincoln, Nebraska. We would all meet up at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Nebraska Union steps before making the twenty minute walk to the Nebraska State Capitol building on K Street.
Everyone Deserves Privacy...Including the Royal Family (despitepain.com)
Everyone deserves privacy, including the royal family. The Princess of Wales had abdominal surgery and has been diagnosed with cancer.
Assume That They Can, and Other Actions for Allies (code.likeagirl.io)
Each week, Karen Catlin shares five simple actions to create a more inclusive workplace and be a better ally.
Everyday Athlete (activehands.com)
Those who are disabled face daily challenges in a world that has not been designed for them. Ben introduces his Everyday Athlete campaign.
Interview with Alex Brooker (disabilityhorizons.com)
We speak to disabled TV presenter, journalist and comedian Alex Brooker. He is best known for being co-host on the comedy panel show The Last Leg.
Disability News and Mental Health, UK government questioned on commitment to disabled people’s rights (bbc.co.uk)
The UN in Geneva questions the UK government on its commitment to disabled people. We speak to two people who followed the proceedings - disability reporter Rachel Charlton-Dailey and Rensa Gaunt from Inclusion London, which campaigns for equality for deaf and disabled people.
5 Reasons to See Disability Motivational Speakers (bluebadgestyle.com)
Disability motivational speakers offer unique perspectives and insights that can inspire and empower audiences from all walks of life. Their stories of triumph over adversity, resilience in the face of challenges, and determination to succeed against the odds resonate deeply with individuals seeking motivation and encouragement. Here are five compelling reasons why you should consider attending events featuring disability motivational speakers.
From Isolation to Empowerment: the Tech that Connected me to my Community (blindnewworld.org)
Larry, who is deafblind, felt isolated and out of touch until iCanConnect gave him the tech and training to reconnect with his community.
Why Choose LEXI Automatic Captioning for Education Accessibility (ai-media.tv)
Unlock the future of Education Accessibility with AI-Media's LEXI Automatic Captioning. Learn why Universities are Embracing LEXI Captioning.
#ProjectValue - Tracy Odell (facebook.com)
Tracy Odell is a disability advocate who is so much more than her diagnosis. Hear her story here and help us spread.
Wheels Trailer (youtube.com)
After getting fired from her job, a woman moves into a college dorm room with her brother who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and becomes his aide.
What Trump Supporters Think When He Mocks People With Disabilities (theatlantic.com)
Trump fans don’t like how he demeans people. They’ll vote for him anyway.
Jordan Schroeter on harnessing the power of his voice (wisconsinlife.org)
Earning a masters degree and launching a business is no easy feat. WPR’s Margaret Faust met Jordan Schroeter of Grafton to see how he did it while also living with a rare, genetic and progressive neuromuscular disorder.
Hearing Number – What is the Hearing Number? (hearingnumber.org)
Introducing the Hearing Number—a sound metric that can help you engage with life.
Investing in Disabled Choreographers (axisdance.org)
The 2024 AXIS Choreo-Lab (“the Lab”) will take place in-person at AXIS’ home base in Berkeley, CA from Tuesday, May 28th – Saturday, June 8th, 2024.
Ultimate Guide to Accessible Travel (unitedspinal.org)
United Spinal & Airbnb invite you for an engaging and exciting discussion on accessible travel tips and hosting opportunities. Learn from our travel experts, wheelchair users living the good life! There will be Airbnb gift voucher prize drawings for attendees.
Film about deaf Kurdish boy wins Geneva film award (swissinfo.ch)
"From the point of view of the politics of disability, this film is progressive and poignant," noted the jury about the film Name Me Lawand.
Access for All: Integrating Accessibility (youtube.com)
Andrea Jennings hosts this pop culture show that captures authentic accessibility and disability culture. In the episode Andrea talks with Ray and Jeanne Chung, owners of Cozy Stylish Chic in Old Town Pasadena.
Global Digital Releasing Acquires North American Rights to 'Sign The Show'; Releasing for National Deaf History Month (filmdaily.co)
Featuring Kelly Clarkson, Andre 3000 and more, 'Sign The Show' immerses you in humorous, heartfelt, and insightful conversations.
Double Eye Studios (doubleeye.co)
Double Eye Studios is an award-winning XR studio connecting audiences around the globe by creating interactive stories and building transformative storyworlds.
Territory: immersive VR (kineticlight.org)
Alice Sheppard and Laurel Lawson soar in their wheelchairs amidst a bright green screen and floor, each holding on to a white barbed wire prop in the shape of a huge X. They are both upside down, faces tipped and arms curved toward the ceiling. Lauren Mendoza sits on the floor in the foreground, with a large camera propped up on a wooden box, filming the dancers from below. Alice is a multiracial Black woman with short bright orange curly hair and coffee-colored skin; Laurel is a white person with pale skin and cropped peacock blue hair. They wear copper bodysuits overlaid with black mesh which shimmers in crimson, sapphire, and amethyst. They wear delicate filigree headpieces of copper and brass with pearl and gold beading. Photo by Cherylynn Tsushima.
Is it time to revisit unionization? A roundtable discussion on the role of unionization in the direct support professional workforce (publications.ici.umn.edu)
Come Together, Right Now (publications.ici.umn.edu)
I feel ENERGETIC! And I have to put my angry expression on since rock music can sometimes be angry music. I want people to feel like their socks have been knocked off! I also want them to feel really excited.
Blossoming into Justice as a Black Autistic Man (publications.ici.umn.edu)
If you had told me ten years ago that I would be an instrumental part of the Disability Justice Movement and disability arts and culture, I would have laughed and not believed you. All I wanted to do was get a job, live independently in my apartment, and use my writing background and degrees to write lots of non-fiction work or teach creative writing.
It’s a Movement Because it Moves You (publications.ici.umn.edu)
Honestly, I’ve always wanted to be involved in the Disability Rights Movement. The concept of advocacy is so very important to me, as are self-advocacy, acceptance, and growth. In 2021, I was the first person with Down syndrome to graduate from Florida State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary social sciences. Today I live independently and work full time at Accenture in downtown Chicago.
In Crisis, Justice (publications.ici.umn.edu)
EmpowHer Camp was fun. I remember sitting around a campfire and not being nervous to be there. I’m never nervous. I also remember when you became my mentor. We like to hang out a lot and talk about the play Hamilton, and when they announced us and all the other mentor/mentee teams, everybody was cheering and clapping for each other and “Eye of the Tiger” was playing over a speaker. We met in the middle and danced up the aisle.
We Stand and Fight (publications.ici.umn.edu)
I keep a lot of journals and write a lot of poetry, mostly about justice, dignity, and inclusivity. One of my poems is called “Travel Pathways,” and it’s about my fantasy business plan to make travel accessible to all people with disabilities who are in transition programs after high school.
It Can Happen For You, Too (publications.ici.umn.edu)
I’m sitting in my apartment, where I live alone, waiting for a ride that will take me to a state-operated development center. I will talk to people there about what it has been like for me to live independently. It feels great to give people hope, but we are up against the unions and parents or guardians who want to keep institutions open.
Mapping Voices, Building Bridges A Journey of Inclusivity and Advocacy (publications.ici.umn.edu)
In the spring of 2023, alongside my dedicated team—comprised of Anna, Brooke, and myself—we collaborated with T.J. Gordon on the Disability Narrative Mapping Project. This innovative initiative aimed to empower the disability community by providing a platform for their voices to be heard. My background as an art and art history major, a theme park and scene designer in South Korea, a mother of a young man with autism, a student art therapist, and a human services interpreter deeply informed my journey with this project. Fueled by the strength and resilience of the disability community, I embarked on a profoundly personal exploration.
EmpowHering Through Interdependence (publications.ici.umn.edu)
After spending years living and working in the disability community and feeling frustrated at the prioritizing and centering of disabled men’s experiences, Stephanie Woodward and Leah Smith began to discuss their dreams to start an organization that centered on the lives and experiences of women with disabilities. They had both seen the limited research, which showed that disabled girls* have lower self-cognition and self-esteem and are more likely to experience depression, isolation, and abuse. They knew that women and girls with disabilities have fewer educational opportunities and higher rates of unemployment and low earnings, and that disabled women experienced more overprotection during childhood, more domestic violence, and had less access to positive representation.
Grace In Conflict (publications.ici.umn.edu)
We published our first book together in 2023. It is the only book of its kind, dedicated to exploring the dynamics between the adult autistic community and non-autistic parents of autistic children. I (Jules) am an autistic parent of autistic children, and I (Meghan) am a non-autistic parent of autistic children.
Arc of Justice (publications.ici.umn.edu)
Leigh Anne, you are a long-time contributor to Impact, and we are really pleased to have you back for this issue to talk about The Arc’s justice work. How did the National Center get started?
Disabled I AM (publications.ici.umn.edu)
Disabled I AM is a multimedia campaign to empower people to own their disability identity. It was created as a fellowship project for the Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC), a developmental disabilities project of national significance. It’s funded by the Administration on Community Living. Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago (a Center for Independent Living designated by the ACL) and the Disability Culture Activism Lab, a platform for creative advocacy projects and disability allyship training at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, also supported the project.
The Power of Art in Disability Justice (publications.ici.umn.edu)
When you have disabilities, some people unfortunately speak for you and about you. When a disability is not readily apparent, as is true for my adult son, Taiyo, and for me, creating art provides us freedom and space to speak, sculpt, sing, sound, map, and paint the world as we see it, or as we imagine how the world could be. The arts have always been a vehicle for people with disabilities to push back against societal ableism and its prejudice.
Fear and Loathing at Abandoned Institutions Is There Any Redemptive Value? (publications.ici.umn.edu)
Determined to Share Our Truths (publications.ici.umn.edu)
I believe that storytelling and media making are forms of activism. Culture change is hard, and we have to have more stories about us and by us to show the world our wisdom, innovation, creativity, and brilliance. As a writer and editor, I am determined to share our truths, prophecies, and warnings with the world, especially those created by marginalized disabled people, because our wisdom is vital. I create and amplify stories in order to change the culture and provide more richness to how we think and feel about disability.
Rowing Together (publications.ici.umn.edu)
My advocacy truly started through my own experience at a “Crip Camp” designed for people with disabilities. Many people have the experience of going to a summer camp, and I was a proud camper from age 8 to 19. I absolutely loved every moment of it! When my friends from home would ask what I did there, I would defensively say that we do everything that anyone does at camp: fish, campfires, sing, ride horses and we even had a zip line. This was all true, but so much more was happening there. My summer camp for people with disabilities taught me how I would do all the things I would learn later as the Sins Invalid 10 Principles of Disability Justice.
Bending the Long Arc of Disability History From Civil Rights to Social Justice (publications.ici.umn.edu)
The disability community, policy makers, and the public need to know how the disability rights journey began. They also need to know where laws, regulations, and research stand today. Despite decades of deinstitutionalization and legislation giving people with disabilities the right to education and other important aspects of community living, many remnants of the past linger in all states and in all public education and supports and services systems. For proof, consider that individuals with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 64 continue to represent the single largest population living in poverty, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Lawyer, Author and TikTok Star Spent 72 Years in an Iron Lung (nytimes.com)
Paul Alexander, who died at 78, was paralyzed with polio at age 6 and relied on the machine to breathe. Still, he was able to earn a law degree, write a book and, late in life, build a following on TikTok.
Four Years Later, Covid Isn’t Done With Us (wsj.com)
After 1.2 million deaths in the U.S., there is little agreement about how we should remember the pandemic—or prepare for the next one.
Disability Rights Documentary UNSEEN Challenges Stereotypes and Misconceptions About Disability (respectability.org)
"UNSEEN" challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about disability, portraying Pedro as a vibrant individual who embraces life with courage and determination.
Improving digital accessibility and assistive technologies in further (abilitynet.org.uk)
Colleges have launched a new initiative to improve access to learning for all. Find out how colleges can sign up for the ‘Access and Assistance for All’ campaign.
Disabled riders need comprehensive public transportation planning (prismreports.org)
As Washington state shifts to zero-emissions vehicles, it has the opportunity to fund truly equitable and accessible transportation.
Disability Representation in Media - Call for Chapters (michaeljeffress.com)
I have been asked by Routledge to do a follow-up to my 2022 title Disability Representation in Film, TV, and Print Media. It will basically be a second edition but with a new title along the lines of Disability in the Media. The goal is to showcase original research and theoretical essays focusing on recent representations of disability in mainstream media such as film, television, advertising, video games, social media, etc.
Analysis: The BBC & Netflix Unveiled Their Landmark Five-Year Disability Partnership With Fanfare In 2021, But Two-And-A-Half Years Later, The Industry Is Questioning Where The Shows Are (au.finance.yahoo.com)
EXCLUSIVE: At the 2021 Edinburgh TV Festival, the BBC and Netflix unveiled what the pair described as a landmark five-year disability partnership that would unearth a new generation of shows helmed by disabled talent. But more than half of the partnership’s five-year time period has now elapsed and not one show has been revealed.
Reconciling faith and disability: my journey through Ramadan (allisforall.com)
The experience of Ramadan varies depending on who you talk to. For some, the day-long fast from food and water is about patience and resilience. For others, it’s about strengthening their relationship with God. Or it could just be about surviving the day. In my case, Ramadan has helped me come to terms with my disability.
2024-25 Fellows | The New York Times Company (nytco.com)
The New York Times is pleased to introduce the 2024–25 fellowship class. Selected from thousands of applicants, these early-career journalists will cover some of the world’s biggest stories as part of an industry-leading program. They will join us in June, in our New York, San Francisco and Washington offices.
SpeakOut (eventbrite.com)
From the Heart w/ guest Alex Locust.
Are We Assuming or Believing? The Case of "Assume That I Can" (meriahnichols.com)
Believing that our kids can do things is crucial. Our kids will pick up on what we project. We’re like Bluetooth devices, toggled to ‘on,’ and the radar (or whatever it is) from our Bluetooth is constantly being emitted and our kids’ internal Bluetooth connections are set to pick up whatever we emit.
Ableism – speciesism on the agenda (criphumanimal.org)
When intersecting oppressions (or ‘intersectionality) are discussed, ableism often seems to be left out of the picture, or only marginally touched upon or scantly mentioned.
Bodyshaming – another one (criphumanimal.org)
Bodyshaming is deeply problematic and unfortunately present at several segments of the vegan movement.